5 ways respiratory therapists can maximize COPD outcomes

We all know that respiratory therapists provide exceptional value in the care they deliver to patients with COPD, but what’s the makeup that all successful RTs have in common? Discover the top 5 skills RTs need to maximize COPD outcomes for patients in any care setting.

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The anatomy of a leading RT: 5 skills they can use to maximize COPD outcomes

Optimize your skillset—optimize their outcomes

Respiratory therapists (RTs) have a specialized skillset that helps them provide personalized care to patients with COPD. They also have the distinct advantage of seeing and helping treat patients across the continuum of care. Whether it’s providing pulmonary function testing in the hospital or optimizing patient care in the home setting, RTs can make an incredible difference.

While it may appear that RTs embody the best of patient-centric care, there is always room to grow. Here are 5 ways RTs can enhance their unique abilities to help get patients home and keep them home.

Find out more about the anatomy of a leading RT

Spread knowledge

Knowledge is power. And, when it comes to COPD, RTs have a lot of it. In fact, they are in prime position to deliver critical information to patients and care team peers to keep patients at the heart of every clinical decision. This is why RTs should continue to take charge in each care setting.

Patients depend on thorough education throughout their course of care. RTs can help spread knowledge to their patients at critical milestones, by educating them on1:

Medications and how to take them

Proper device technique

Breathing exercises

How to identify the symptoms of exacerbations

However, education doesn’t stop with the patient. RTs need to continually improve their skills and take information back to other members of the care team. This includes:

Reporting key patient findings

Providing valuable insights on modifying care plans

Implementing best practices and helping make changes in the healthcare setting

See challenges before they arise

RTs are always on the front lines of COPD care. That’s why it’s vital for them to see the complete picture of care, anticipate future challenges and act quickly. However, RTs can’t always see everything. For this reason, they need to enact a care team network to inform them of key developments across time and locations. This will enable them to make any necessary adjustments to a patient’s care plan and help set them on a path for treatment success. Therefore, RTs need to take the first step to opening this larger world of information.

Proactively strengthen your network by:

Having a reliable point of contact at each facility. A little outreach goes a long way. RTs should introduce themselves, make connections, exchange contact info and more

Consistently following up with care teams at community and regional hospitals as well as affiliated home care facilities

Identifying opportunities for extended care team members to provide updates

Regularly refining best practices for keeping lines of communication open

Practice active listening

What’s the key to RTs truly understanding what their patients need from their treatment? Listening—actively. This technique allows RTs to understand their patients’ challenges and desires more deeply, so they can thoughtfully recommend the right solutions and strategies. Active listening involves hearing what patients are saying, summarizing their problems and validating their feelings by responding with empathy. Overall, it allows RTs to help patients feel understood.

Start the conversation

For some patients, talking about COPD is not always easy. Patients who were once active may be embarrassed by the fact that their disease has led them to a mostly sedentary lifestyle. That’s why keeping the lines of communication open is a critical component to maximizing outcomes. No matter what the case, it’s up to RTs to start the conversation and set attainable goals.

Help get patients on the right track with these conversation starters

“What is the number one goal you would like to achieve through your current treatment?”

“Do you feel the device you’re currently on is preventing you from being adherent to therapy?”

“What is one activity you would like to enjoy again that COPD is interfering with?”

Open your heart to treat deeper

To treat non-surface level issues and get to underlying causes of a patient’s COPD, RTs need to relate to and empathize with their patients on a deeper level. This means understanding their family dynamics, social issues and psychological comorbidities that may interfere with their treatment.3

For example, dig deeper into topics such as whether the patient has money for food, is living in clean conditions, has healthy relationships, is dealing with psychiatric issues, has access to transportation, etc. By uncovering these issues, RTs and patients can have a better relationship while setting the stage for better outcomes.

Home is where the heart is

Solicit help from the patient’s support system to make the most out of treatment and provide3:

Emotional support and act as an advocate for best practices

Encouragement to adhere to therapy and meet personal goals

Reminders of when to take medication

Information about new self-management programs available

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Further reading

COPD insider

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